This post is from contributor, Stacey Lane.
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I have been writing monthly for Free Homeschool Deals for over a year. If we have bonded, you know my saga. You might remember how last summer all my major appliances broke and I wrote “How to Survive Without Your Major Appliances, Really.”
Then, at Christmas time I had to get creative about presents because medical bills were overwhelming my budget. Most of us “Celebrate Christmas on a Budget,” and it is nice to know we are not alone in budgeting.
As the summer of 2014 comes to a close, I find myself facing the replacement of my septic system. It’s been a struggle to get over the shock of the septic man saying, “Well, if you can get the same system you have, probably $8,000 to $10,000 to replace it.”
I have 7 months to establish the funds needed to replace the septic system.
My mind cannot even grasp the budgeting that needs to happen. I need to save $1,150 a month, which generally is more than I earn.
Have you been faced with a huge bill? What creative way did you save the amount? I could use some ideas right now.
In this overwhelmed state, the old saying of you eat an elephant by taking one bite at a time comes to mind. Yes, the saying of when life gives you lemons you make lemonade feels like it will open the door to some really stinky jokes.
Since I cannot even begin to come up with a plan, I did what any good homeschool mom would do: I wrote a unit study on how a septic tank works. Yes, I even created a printable on labeling the parts of a septic system.
While I was doing my research I was reminded of the book The Grass Is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank.
Although my research would say it is usually the drain field where the grass is greener, I think Erma Bombeck’s book will be good for some laughs.
I do know I am going to return to the basics of saving money. I know that none of this is a surprise to the Lord. I know the next 7 months of this trial will give me tons of ideas to write about on Free Homeschool Deals.
At the end of the day I am going to remain, “Thankful To Be a Broke Parent”
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